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Get involved

Port Stephens Council invites the community to get involved in the protection and remediation of the beautiful local environment that stretches from Nelson Bay to Raymond Terrace to Woodville. There are a range of sites and activities you can be involved with depending on your interests and location.

Environmental volunteers provide vital support to our varying ecosystems, while also creating a strong sense of community and local pride. Give back to the land, work with a great group of people, and expand your skills in environmental protection!

Want to become an Environmental volunteer?

Please contact environmentalvolunteers@portstephens.nsw.gov.au or 4988 0517 for any enquiries.

Environmental volunteering is so much more than pulling out weeds! Activities include but are not limited to:

  • bush regeneration techniques such as weeding and planting
  • seed collection
  • propagation and seedling maintenance
  • erosion control
  • park maintenance
  • litter reduction
  • monitoring
  • community education
  • training

You don’t have to be an expert to volunteer! Join us to learn and grow your knowledge on bush regeneration, plant species and volunteer group management.

Some workshops we offer include bush regeneration principles, safe chemical use, plant identification, grant fund administration and volunteer group administration. We also host a volunteer forum to bring together our groups across the LGA.

Our next big event is the Environmental Volunteers conference on the 31st of August 2023 at Salt Ash - please stay tuned for the release of tickets which will occur from July!

There are many reasons to join an environmental group in your local area. Revel in the social, physical and psychological benefits of giving back to your community, connecting with a group of like-minded people, spending time in nature and getting active outdoors. You can gain practical skills in land management, a fantastic opportunity for school-leavers and early career.

We are on the look-out for our next generation of coordinators, do you have a passion for leadership?

Whatever your why is for volunteering, you’ll likely find it through environmental volunteering in Port Stephens.

Help us improve the face of environmental volunteering and tell us what environmental events you would like to see in your area.

Whether you are currently an environmental volunteer, or you are thinking about putting in some volunteer hours this year – we want to hear from you! This survey takes less than 5 minutes and lets you share your interests and preferences. There’s the opportunity to win a field guide too!

We are also seeking input on how you like to receive information and dates regarding volunteer opportunities, please complete this additional short survey.

If you haven’t already, apply to join our PSC Environmental Volunteers Facebook group to stay up to date with the Volunteers Support Officer and other parks and reserve care groups.